In Every Clime and Place: USMC Cold Weather Doctrine
Abstract
This monograph examines whether current Marine Corps cold weather doctrine and related training are adequate to prepare individuals and units for employment in that environment. Relatively new, Marine Corps cold weather doctrine is still being written with the first doctrinal manuals published in 1988. The Secretary of Defense, in 1978, directed that the Marine Corps be committed to the defense of Norway. With this mission came implicit understanding that forces would need a solid doctrine and training base for operations in a cold weather environment. Based on its reinforcement mission to Norway, the Marine Corps began implementing an integrated plan to establish a doctrinal basis for cold weather operations, integrate a training and exercise program, and field a force that modern technology would fully clothe and equip. The methodology of this cold weather doctrine and training review is to examine the role of theory and its link to current Marine Corps cold weather doctrine. Second, this paper reviews the historical underpinnings of 20th Century cold weather warfare in current doctrine and training. Third, it provides an analysis of existing cold weather tactical doctrine utilizing the functions and capabilities that generate combat power as delineated in FMFM 1-1, Campaigning. A second part of the analysis evaluates cold weather training doctrine using the operational priorities of cold weather as explained in FMFRP 7-24, Commanders Guide to Cold Weather Operations, as measures of effectiveness.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 16, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA251427
Entities
People
- Jerry L. Durrant
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College